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Human Resources

Welcome to Durham Working for us “No matter where my life and career have taken me, Durham has always held a special place in my heart.”

Sir , of . 3 Welcome to Durham University

I am delighted to welcome you to Durham Durham County and the wider region is home University – I hope your association with us to spectacular countryside, a fascinating will be a long and happy one. heritage and vibrant cities. Whatever your interests, you will find much to discover and When you join Durham, you will become part explore. And wherever you go, you can be of a supportive and diverse community that sure of receiving the warm and friendly is committed to creating a positive working welcome for which the people of the North environment and excellent opportunities for East are renowned. our staff. Whether you are considering applying for a Durham has an international reputation, not position here, or are soon to take up your only for world-class research and education, new role with us, we hope you will find the but also for providing students with a rich information in this booklet useful. and well-rounded learning experience through our communities and extensive extra- curricular activities. As a member of staff, you are also part of these communities so you can enjoy learning, sport, music, cultural activities

or just our beautiful surroundings. Vice-Chancellor and Durham University offers an inspiring and exciting place to live and work. Durham City is full of history and tradition with a World Heritage Site at its heart, along with charming streets and beautiful riverside paths. Our contemporary Queen’s Campus, situated near the lively town of Stockton-on-Tees, is purpose-built to deliver our world-class courses and enjoys a striking waterfront setting.

Durham Cathedral. Contents: Why Durham University?

Why Durham University? 04-05 A staff survey revealed:

% are proud to work for Shaped by the past, creating 06 Durham University the future 91 % say it is a good place to work Innovating and leading, 07 90 influencing and informing % feel inspired to do their best 81 work every day. Our 08-09

Staff benefits 10-11 We asked some of our staff why they chose to work at Durham, and have included a selection and 12-17 of their responses below. North East

“Durham University is difficult for any serious Helping you settle in 18-21 scholar to resist; steeped in history but defined by ambition and excellence, Durham is the Travelling to Durham University 22-23 perfect place to develop one’s work both by advancing ideas in the classroom and by subjecting them to the rigorous but collegial Information for international staff 24 scrutiny of this dynamic community of scholars.” - Work permits, certificates of 25-26 , Professor of Law sponsorship and visas

- Your first few weeks 27-28 “I came to Durham to experience professional life in a small town, but have found that Durham is - Living in the UK 29-30 international and broad beyond my imagination, while still remaining intimate and enchanting.” Further information 31 Bruno Van-Dyk, Director, Development and Alumni Relations Office Relocated from 5

Cafe Aroma, Queens Campus.

“Durham University was attractive to me for its “…most of all, we were impressed by our future state-of-the-art facilities, collegial and friendly colleagues and staff at the University. For us it working environment as well as the opportunity was a big move coming from the United States, to teach students of the highest calibre. From a but the staff at Durham University made the personal perspective, its good schools and the transition very manageable, and our Business friendly atmosphere of the North East were also School colleagues have been very welcoming. “ important. It is a nice place to raise a family.” Prof Robert Lord and Prof Rosalie , Business School Dr Conor O’Reilly, Research Fellow, Relocated from Ohio, USA Relocated from Portugal with his partner and children “In order to stay in academia, your research “Why would I want to be anywhere else? I feel needs to compete with the best in the field. You I’ve ‘come home’. Durham epitomises all that is can only deliver such results in an environment excellent in University education in England: the that is challenging and gives you the support you atmosphere of discovery through research – that need to accomplish your aims. That’s why I the next great thing is just waiting to be found, chose Durham.” the strong sense of community, and the privilege Dr Michael Knoll, Research Fellow, Business School of sharing this part of life’s journey with so many Relocated from Germany with his partner and children young people who are the future of not only this country but the world.” “Durham University represents an employer Susan Jones, Head of Major Gifts, which invests in its employees, providing Development and Alumni Relations Office opportunities to train, career progression and excellent benefits!” “…I particularly relished the opportunity to Pauline Dowson, PA to the Director of Catering become involved in the colleges, as they provide a unique environment to meet fellow colleagues and the students.” Sophie Daniels, Policy Support Officer Durham University: Shaped by the past, creating the future

Durham University is distinctive - a with ancient traditions and modern values. We seek to achieve the highest distinction in research and scholarship which make a real difference to societies world- wide. We are equally committed to excellence in all aspects of learning, education and the transmission of knowledge.

But Durham University is much more than that. The World Heritage Site at the heart of the City of Durham has been a leading centre of scholarship for over 1000 years, while our cosmopolitan Queen’s Campus is set on the banks of the in Stockton, with a beauty and character of its own. Queen’s delivers Durham University’s world class research and professional and applied courses in business, education, health and wellbeing.

Top: Palatine Centre, bottom left: , bottom right: , Queens Campus.

FACTS AND FIGURES

3RD oldest university in England, after Oxford OVER staff members and , and a leading European 8,000 centre of learning for 1,000 years 32% of academic staff are non-UK origin 3 faculties: Arts and Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences and Health 150 countries represented in our staff and student bodies 25 academic departments or schools 5TH in The Complete University Guide 2014 16 colleges - Durham’s distinctive residential and educational communities 6TH in and Good University Guide 2014 undergraduates (2013/14) 12,550 WORLD University (THE & QS 2012/13) TOP 100 4,538 postgraduates (2013/14) MAJOR ongoing investment in academic staff, 21% of students are of non-UK origin research and teaching facilities. 7 Innovating & leading

As one of the UK’s leading institutions and a world top 100 university, Durham has always been a modern, forward looking university. We were one of the first to admit women, to internationalise and award degrees in Africa (over 100 years ago), to develop the sciences, and the first to incorporate civil and mining engineering. We have research and alumni on every continent and in almost every country in the world. Today, we are continuing to provide students with a first-class and unique student experience. Durham’s distinctive approach to research-led teaching ensures that our programmes are cutting edge and intellectually stimulating, while the state- of-the-art library and the newly opened Palatine Centre enable students to have easy access to all the services they need.

Influencing

& informing Durham University has nine multidisciplinary research institutes: Biophysical Sciences Institute Research, scholarships and ideas are at the core of Durham University. Durham Institute We are home to some of the most talented Institute for Computational Cosmology researchers and scholars from around the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology world, tackling global issues, and making a Institute of Advanced Research Computing difference to people’s lives. Institute of Advanced Study Research directly informs our undergraduate Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience and postgraduate teaching, and in partnership with policy makers, industry, the public sector Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies and communities around the world, shapes Wolfson Research Institute for Health local, national and international agendas. and Wellbeing.

9 Our colleges

As a collegiate university, our 16 colleges play an important role in enhancing the academic and personal development of our students. We encourage you to take part in college life by becoming a college mentor or member of the Senior (SCR). Being a college mentor is an excellent way to become more involved in university life and develop new friendships. Our college mentor system helps foster a sense of community and provides support and advice to our students. Training is provided, along with regular events enabling you to meet other mentors and share experiences. The SCR is a body made up of past and present members of the University, college tutors and local people with an interest in the college. It is an integral part of the life of any college, and holds a number of dinners, talks and social events throughout the year. Members are also able to use college facilities to meet colleagues and entertain .

Left: Hatfield College, top right: St Hild and St Bede bottom right: Collingwood College, far right: Van Mildert College. Staff benefits

A staff survey revealed:

% think that Durham University % say that Durham University 82 offers a good pay, benefits 92 offers good pension schemes and reward package

Pensions – Durham University offers access to Pay – Our graded pay structure is based on attractive, defined benefit pension schemes, the principles of equal pay for work of equal notably the Universities Superannuation Scheme value with incremental salary progression. (USS) and the Durham University Pension Discretionary awards reward staff or groups Scheme (DUPS). of staff who make a special contribution and our Exceptional Contribution Payments Key benefits include: (ECP) scheme rewards sustained, outstanding • Generous contributions from the University performance with permanent pay increases (currently 13% for DUPS and 16% for USS of your contractual salary). Leave – You will be entitled to 39 or 42 days • Tax relief on pension contributions. paid annual leave each year. This includes eight • Reduced National Insurance contributions Bank Holidays and four Customary Days and is through Pensions+ (the payment of member pro-rata for part-time staff. contributions by salary sacrifice) The University is committed to supporting our • Additional Voluntary Contributions. staff by providing excellent additional paid leave • Life Assurance. schemes, such as maternity and paternity leave You may have noticed that the Government and research leave. has, once again, reduced the tax relief on pension savings. If you are already a long Professional development opportunities standing member of the USS, when you join the University, it is important for you to ensure The University provides a wide range of training that you are aware of the impact of any increase courses for staff. Your department may also in the value your pension as a consequence of support you to gain an external qualification if it joining the University and the implications in is linked to your role. Our Annual Staff Review relation to HMRC’s Annual Allowance. aims to ensure there is regular dialogue between you and your manager about your development. More information is available from the HR The University has clear criteria and structures for Department on request. You could also refer academic probation, progression and promotion. to HMRC guidance at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/pensionschemes/ understanding-aa.htm (Annual Allowance). For more information, please see our staff benefits website. www.hmrc.gov.uk/pensionschemes/ understanding-la.htm (Lifetime Allowance). 11 County Durham & 13

Located just a three hour train journey north of , and an hour and a half south of Edinburgh, County Durham is a region steeped in history and natural beauty.

North East England’s landmarks span millennia, from historical Roman and Norman World Heritage Sites to award-winning contemporary icons.

To the north of the region, and built in AD122 to mark the Roman Empire’s northern frontier, Hadrian’s Wall is just as awe-inspiring today. Its fellow World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral and Castle, is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the world.

There are 15 National Nature Reserves in the region and over 250 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. There are more castles of distinction open to the public than in any other English region and numerous splendid country houses and gardens.

The market towns, villages and seaside resorts, with their distinctive character, historic buildings and friendly welcome are significant attractions in their own right. Long-established markets and shops selling local produce, arts and crafts are a shoppers’ delight, with regional food specialities ranging from Craster’s famous smoked kippers to traditional Lindisfarne Mead, stottie bread, cheese and handmade ice cream.

Left: Holy Island, top right: Hadrians Wall, middle: Bamburgh Castle, bottom right: Angel of the North. Shopping and eating out Durham and Stockton are both well-served by local shops and out-of-town supermarkets, so all your daily essentials are within easy reach. There are two out-of-town retail parks in Durham and one in Stockton: the Arnison Centre (DH1 5GB), Dragonville (DH1 2WP) and Teeside Shopping Park (TS17 7BT). All three are served by local bus routes. Along with many of the well known chain stores, Durham City Centre offers a number of hidden gems in the form of unique independent retailers, such as clothing boutiques and craft shops.

Durham’s historic indoor market was named Best Private Market in the UK in 2011, and has stalls selling everything from groceries and clothing to household supplies and books. There is a Farmers’ Market on the third Thursday of every month, providing an opportunity to buy quality fresh foods from local producers. Stockton also hosts a market, which is one of the largest in the UK with over 150 stalls. Further afield, Newcastle is a popular shopping destination, only 15 minutes by train from Durham. Just south of Newcastle (with good access by public transport) is Europe’s largest shopping centre, intu Metrocentre in Gateshead. For specialist foods, Newcastle and Stockton both have a number of shops stocking Halal meat as well as Asian and Continental ingredients at lower prices than in supermarkets. Durham and Stockton have a choice of Top: Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, restaurants serving all types of cuisine at a bottom: Durham University’s Botanic Garden. range of prices, as well as many excellent cafés, bars and traditional pubs. 15

Durham Cathedral and Castle Beamish Living Museum - an award-winning – a UNESCO World Heritage Site open-air museum which provides an interactive and hands-on exploration of life in early 20th Situated in the heart of the City, Durham century North East England. World Heritage Site contains the Cathedral and Castle, both inspiring places to explore. Newcastle attractions - Newcastle is home to a number of excellent museums To most people the finest example of Norman including the Discovery Museum, the Great architecture, Durham Cathedral is the burial North Museum and the Life Science Centre, place of St and the founder of as well as several art galleries. European scholarship, the Venerable Bede. The Castles and historic landmarks - the North East Castle, originally built in the 11th century, is is home to more castles than any other English now home to the oldest of Durham University’s region. Highlights include Lindisfarne Castle, colleges. The Cathedral and Castle are both situated on the spectacular Holy Island, Raby open to the public, with guided tours available. Castle and Binchester Roman Fort. There is also a Visitor Centre which provides more information about the World Heritage Site.

University attractions As a member of staff, you can visit the following attractions for free with your campus card.

The Oriental Museum - the only museum in the North of Britain devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the .

Palace Green Library - holds Durham University’s outstanding special collections, with treasures spanning millennia and the globe.

Botanic Garden - this beautiful 10 hectare garden is home to plant collections from around the world, including China, Japan, North America, South Africa, and Chile.

Other places to visit Crook Hall and Gardens - a 13th century Grade I listed medieval hall and themed gardens.

Durham Light Infantry Museum - a military museum which tells the story of one of the most famous County Regiments in the .

National Railway Museum at Shildon - contains exhibitions which narrate the history of the railway from the 19th century to the Top: Beamish Museum, County Durham. present day. bottom: Library. Theatre, music and cinema Across Durham and Queen’s Campus there are 70 student theatre companies and musical groups performing a wide variety of high-quality shows. The Gala Theatre, in Durham City centre, has a theatre and two cinema screens, and hosts a regular programme of live events and film screenings. Newcastle has numerous theatre and film venues, including the Theatre Royal (regional home to the Royal Shakespeare Company) and Tyneside Cinema. Intu Metrocentre at Gateshead also hosts the ODEON IMAX Cinema which offers a VIP area, 3D screen and the first IMAX screen in the region. Stockton’s entertainment venues include the Stockton Arts Centre (ARC) and the Showcase Cinema Teesside.

Sport and the outdoors Members of staff can benefit from discounted membership at The Graham Sports Centre (Durham) and Queen’s Campus Sports Centre (Stockton), which offer high-quality facilities and a range of fitness classes. There are also many opportunities in the region to take part in sporting activities. Both Durham and Stockton have excellent leisure centres – Freeman’s Quay and Splash. The North East contains some of England’s most stunning countryside. There are many opportunities for a peaceful walk in a park (like Hardwick Park), through woodlands (try Hamsterley Forest), or alongside the River Wear. Further afield, there are miles of Heritage coastline to explore, as well as the North Pennines Area of Outstanding National Beauty and Northumberland National Park. In less than two hours drive you can get to the Lake District National Park, famous for Top left: student theatre, bottom left: North East countryside, its magnificent scenery. right: Newcastle Theatre Royal. 17 Helping you settle in

Accommodation Relocation assistance

When you first arrive in Durham to take up Subject to the terms of your and your post, you may choose to stay in short- the level at which you join the University, term accommodation, perhaps one of our you may be entitled to a financial contribution college communities. towards the costs incurred when relocating either nationally or internationally. This will Contact Event Durham for information on be in accordance with the University short-term bed and breakfast accommodation Relocation Policy. in the University’s colleges. Assistance with your move may also be For hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation available from our dedicated relocation in Durham City Centre, you could stay at one support service. Our Relocation Manager, Stina of the following: The Victoria Inn, Castle View Maynard, is available to offer assistance to Guest House, Kingslodge Hotel , Travelodge, senior staff with the many aspects involved Premier Inn, The Radisson, or The Marriott. with your move (including home and school searches and area orientations) to ensure you Visit the Stockton tourism website for settle into the area as smoothly as possible. information about short-term accommodation in Stockton. Email [email protected] or telephone 0191 334 9251. To search for available properties to rent or buy, you could visit a property search website such as Rightmove or Zoopla or contact a local estate agent: Health The University provides an occupational Robinsons health service to promote the well-being of Durham: 1 Old , 0191 386 2777 members of staff and support those who are Stockton: 21 Bishop Street, 01642 607555 experiencing health problems. To view a list of doctors’ surgeries in Durham Reeds Rains and Stockton, visit the NHS website. Durham: 3a Old Elvet, 0191 384 1222 Stockton: 11 Silver Street, 01642 601601

Your Move Durham: 17 Old Elvet, 0191 386 2070 Stockton: 25 High Street, 01642 607191 19

Schools and childcare Children between the ages of 5 and 16 are required to be in full-time education. Children under 5 may attend nursery school. Please visit the following websites for more information: • Education in the UK • Durham state schools and nursery schools • Stockton state schools and nursery schools • Independent (fee-paying) schools • OFSTED inspection reports To apply for a place for your child in a school in the Durham area, contact Durham County Council on 03000 265 896. For the Stockton area, contact Stockton Borough Council on 01642 526605. The University has a nursery in Durham. You can save on the cost of nursery care through the University’s nursery+ scheme. You can also make savings on the cost of childcare through the University’s childcare+ scheme.

Places of worship Durham University is a multi-cultural, multi- faith community, committed to providing opportunities for staff and students to explore and follow their faith and beliefs. Information on places of worship can be found here. Staff induction We have a comprehensive induction programme for all new members of staff to ensure you settle in quickly. In addition to your departmental or college induction, you will be invited to a University induction event. You will also find lots of useful information on our induction website. As a new member of staff, you will be assigned a mentor to advise and guide you during your first few months in your new role, which many have found to be invaluable.

Information sources There are a variety of ways to be kept informed about developments and events at Durham University. There is a weekly email bulletin, Dialogue Signposts, as well as a fortnightly update from the Vice-Chancellor. In addition, the Dialogue magazine is produced six times a year.

Diversity and equality Durham University embraces diversity by promoting and maintaining an inclusive and supportive work and study environment that enables all members of our University community to achieve their full potential. We have a dedicated diversity advisor to help us fulfil this aim.

Finding work in the North East If a member of your family wishes to secure employment in the area, the links below may be helpful. Jobcentre Plus Fish4jobs North East Employment Agencies in Durham Durham University jobs Jobs.ac.uk 21 Travelling to Durham University

Elvet Bridge, Durham City. 23 From Newcastle International Airport By car Newcastle International Airport has regular Durham City Centre is only two miles from the flights from European and worldwide A1(M). Leave the motorway at Junction 62 destinations as well as many internal flights on the A690 Durham – Sunderland road and from the UK (including London airports). follow signs to Durham City Centre. You can take a metro train from Newcastle Queen’s Campus is linked by the A66 to the International Airport to Newcastle Central A1(M) and the A19. Station and then take a train to Durham Visit the University’s travel website for more or Stockton followed by a taxi to your detailed instructions. accommodation. Alternatively you can take a taxi from Public transport within the region outside the airport terminal directly to your accommodation: The North East region has a good public transport service; please visit the • Durham taxi companies Traveline website for more details. You can also call • Stockton taxi companies Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 (lines are open 7am – 9pm daily). By ferry Travelling to work There is a ferry connection to Newcastle from Amsterdam, operated by DFDS Seaways. University car parking - there are a number of The ferries arrive at the International University car parks. If you wish to use these, Ferry Terminal, North Shields, which is you will need to apply for a car parking permit. approximately eight miles from Newcastle. Car sharing - the University operates a car There is a bus service to Newcastle Central sharing scheme for students and staff. Station, from where you can take a train to Durham or Stockton. Public transport - Free travel between Durham City and Queen’s Campus is available on our inter-campus bus service. By coach Durham University has negotiated a discount There are frequent coaches to Durham and on Arriva bus services if you pay for your Stockton from London and other major cities. annual season ticket on a monthly basis by Journeys are generally cheaper than the train direct debit. and take approximately five hours from London. Cycling - if you wish to cycle to work, you could save a third of the cost of purchasing a bicycle by using the University’s Cycle+ scheme. You By train can also take advantage of discounts on parts There are frequent trains to Durham and and accessories at a number of local retailers. Stockton from London and other major cities. Journeys from London take approximately Maps three hours. To help you find your way around the University and locate departments and colleges, please use these maps. You can also download the DU Guide App, available for Android and iPhone. Elvet Bridge, Durham City. Information for international staff 25 Work permits, certificates of sponsorship and visas If you do not belong to any of the above categories, you will be required to gain permission to work and live in the UK.

Your job offer from the University will be For further guidance you are advised conditional on you proving that you have to visit the UK Visas and Immigration permission to live and work in the UK. You (UKVI) website. will have permission to work in the UK if: Furthermore, please take a look at our Immigration & Eligibility to Work and • You are a national of the UK, European Home Office Immigration Requirements Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. The manuals. citizens of Bulgaria and Romania require a Work Permit which must be applied for by Durham University, as well as an Accession Worker Card. Applying for a Visa

Although Iceland, Liechtenstein and Once you have obtained permission to work, Norway are not members of the European you will be directed by the UK VI on how Union (EU) their citizens have the same to apply for a visa. Obtaining an entry and rights as EU citizens to enter, live in and residence visa is your responsibility, and the University cannot act on your behalf. Obtaining work in the UK. permission to work does not guarantee that you Furthermore from 1 July 2013, Croatia or your family members will subsequently be became a member of the European Union given a visa. When you make a visa application (EU). you will have to pay the relevant fee and submit original copies of the documents • You currently have an unexpired Tier 1 requested, including your passport. If your (General) or Tier 1 Post Study Worker visa application is approved you will be able visa. to enter, reside and work in the UK for a specific period. • You are a dependant, husband, wife or civil partner of a UK or EEA national or individual who has an existing right to work in the UK and you hold a dependant’s visa.

• You have indefinite leave to remain in the UK or have a UK Ancestry visa.

• You have a valid student visa which entitles you to work part-time (20 hours per week during term-time and subject to the permission of your course supervisor).

Owengate, Durham City. Your first few weeks to England, you’re entitled to free NHS treatment (along with your spouse or civil partner and children, if they live with you Opening a UK bank account permanently). Like other UK residents you will pay some NHS charges (e.g. There are a large number of banks in prescriptions) unless you are exempt. You Durham and Stockton, and opening a bank may need to provide evidence to prove you account is a fairly quick and simple process, live permanently in the UK, for example providing you have the correct documents. your job contract or tenancy agreement. In order to confirm your identity and It is essential that you register with a local address, you are likely to need to provide doctor (General Practitioner, GP) upon your the bank with the following (these must be arrival in the UK. To view a list of doctors’ original documents and not copies): surgeries near you, visit the NHS website. • Passport or EU National Identity Card You can also telephone NHS Direct on 111 if you are concerned about your health or • Evidence of your UK address require information about local healthcare (e.g. tenancy agreement) services.

• Evidence of your address overseas If you need medical treatment urgently, (e.g. driving licence) call 999 or go to the nearest Accident and • A bank statement from your existing Emergency. In Durham, go to the University providers (no more than three months old) Hospital of North Durham, North Road, DH1 5TW. In Stockton, go to the University • Confirmation of employment at Durham Hospital of North Tees, Hardwick Road, University (e.g. your offer letter). TS19 8PE.

National Insurance number Driving in the UK

When you arrive in the UK, you will Before you can drive a motor vehicle in need to apply for a National Insurance the UK, you must: Number (NINO) so your contributions to the UK National Insurance Scheme can • be licensed to drive be recorded. To apply for a NINO, call • have valid insurance cover 0845 600 0643. You will then be sent an application form, or invited to attend an • display a valid UK road tax disc on interview at the local Jobcentre Plus Office your car in Newcastle or Middlesbrough. Following • register the car if you are in the UK for this, you will be issued with your NINO. six months or more.

For information on whether your licence is Registering with a doctor valid in the UK, visit the UK government website. The Highway Code is essential The National Health Service (NHS) is reading and contains full details of all UK the publicly-funded healthcare system in driving regulations. the . If you are moving 27

University College. Police registration mobile phone providers, along with their contact details: If you need to register with the police, the requirement will be stamped in your passport Carphone Warehouse and you must register within seven days of Durham: 19 Silver St, 0843 538 0046 arriving in the UK. To register, you will need: Stockton: Wellington Square Shopping Centre, 0870 142 1621 • Passport EE • Visa or identity card Durham: 13/15 Silver Street, 0845 097 1774 • Two passport-sized photographs Stockton: Wellington Square Shopping Centre, • £34 for the registration fee 01642 672846

• Offer letter/employment contract O2 from Durham University Durham: Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, 0191 383 9585 • Tenancy agreement as proof of address. Stockton: Wellington Square Shopping Centre, To make an appointment to register, telephone 01642 618131 Durham Police on 0191 3752234 or email If you buy a phone on a pay monthly contract, [email protected] you will need to provide proof of your signature If you are based at Queen’s Campus, telephone (e.g. debit or credit card, passport) and UK Cleveland Police on 01642 301320 or email address (e.g. driving licence, bank statement ForeignNationalsRegistrationUnit@cleveland. or utility bill). pnn.police.uk

Telephone line and Internet

To set up a telephone line and Internet connection in your property, you could contact one of the following companies: TalkTalk, Virgin Media, BT or Plusnet. To compare deals, you may want to visit a website such as Money Supermarket. It may take up to two weeks until your telephone line and Internet connection is ready for you to use.

Mobile phones

For details on how to use your current mobile phone in the UK, please contact your current provider.

If you would like to buy a mobile phone once you arrive in the UK, here is a list of some 29 Living in the UK Income tax Income arising in the United Kingdom is liable to UK income tax by HM Revenue & Cost of living Customs. The amount you pay depends on how much you earn, and not all income is taxable. The cost of living in the UK varies depending Income tax will automatically be deducted on which area you live in. It is generally less from your pay each month. The amount expensive to live in the North than in the deducted will be indicated on your pay slip. South of England. For examples of the cost Please check the government website for more of everyday items, you may wish to use this information. useful cost of living calculator. To compare costs in your own currency, you could use an To calculate your net pay after deductions, you online converter. could use this online calculator.

Council tax Television (TV) Licence When you rent or buy a property in England If you watch or record TV as it’s being you have to pay council tax. Council tax broadcast (including on computers and is the system of taxation used to fund the mobile phones), you need to buy a TV licence. services provided by the local authority such For details on how to pay, visit the TV licensing as the police service, fire service and refuse website. collection. The amount that you need to pay depends on where you live and the size of your property. Generally, the bigger your property is, The Post Office the more tax will be charged. The full list of council tax charges is available on your local The Post Office has a wide range of services authority website: that you may find useful, with many services now available online. • Durham Through this website, you can: • Stockton • Other local authority. • Buy stamps • Check how much it costs to send letters As soon as you move into your property, you and parcels within the UK and overseas should inform your local authority.

St John’s College. • Check a postcode or address

• Buy travel insurance.

The Post Office in Durham is located at 33 Silver Street, DH1 3RE. There are also smaller Post Offices in all the major residential suburbs of Durham.

The nearest Post Office to Queen’s Campus is located in Stockton Town Centre at 90 High Street, TS18 1AD.

Climate

For detailed information about the climate in North East England, visit the Met Office website.

Contact us

If you have any queries or require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Human Resources: 0191 334 6533 or find a contact at www.durham.ac.uk/hr/contacts/

Relocation: 0191 334 9251 or email [email protected]

Diversity: 0191 334 6528 or email [email protected]

Pensions: 0191 334 6951 or email [email protected]

Payroll: 0191 334 6937 or email [email protected]

Durham Castle. 3131 Further information...

General

Durham University’s homepage

Durham County Council

Stockton Borough Council

North East England tourism

Durham tourism

Stockton tourism

For international staff

International Staff website

UK Government information and services

UK Visas and Immigration “Durham, I have come to realise, has a capacity to astound out of all proportion to its size. I ’t know any place that manages to be more intimate and infinite at once.”

Bill Bryson, international author and former Chancellor of Durham University

www.durham.ac.uk Durham skyline.